La Ferme des Rescapés

The animal protection association located in the Lot, in Occitanie welcomes hundreds of rescued animals to its 30 hectare farm. Dogs with a difficult character, wild or fearful cats, unapproachable or sick horses … La Ferme des Rescapés is a refuge for animals that are complicated, unsuitable or have suffered a lot of abuse. Nearly 600 animals here discover another way of life, based on a concept of freedom and respect. They find peace, love, care and nourishment.

La Ferme des Rescapés welcomes many intensively farmed animals, which never left the buildings before arriving here. Freedom, the sun, the meadow, the grass… these are things they did not know !!!

The association also specializes in welcoming wild or stray cats. After having witnessed many times the horrors of which they are victims (poisoning, traps, mistreatment …) the president of the association has built several giant parks and chalets to accommodate them. Many also simply live in the house of the two volunteer women who run the association.

Appalachia is one of America’s most beautiful and renowned regions. Stretching from the state of New York, all the way down to Alabama and Georgia, Appalachia is not only home to the namesake Appalachian Trail, but also the Ozarks and Blue Ridge Mountains. More than 150 tree species can be found in the region, making it one of the most diverse ecological regions in North America. Unfortunately, the resource wealth of the region also means much of the forest has been degraded by mining and timber operations. Over the years, an estimated 83% of habitat has been lost. However, with an ever-growing tourism industry environmentally conscious organizations and businesses are stepping up to return the region to its former glory.

This project is a 5-year, multi-state effort. Our planting partners are looking to restore forests across all Appalachian states. The first phase we’re participating is in Kentucky. Supporting this project will return formerly unproductive mining, logging, and agricultural land to balance. Planting trees here will also benefit nearby communities as hydrological function will be improved, thus providing them with better quality water. This project also creates meaningful jobs in communities suffering from high rates of poverty and unemployment. Our planting partners are also implementing conservation practices to ensure the forests are maintained sustainably for many more years to come.

A variety of trees will be planted in the affected area based on the needs of specific planting sites. Species include various types of oak, yellow poplar, American chestnut and hazelnut, silky dogwood, and persimmon.